It is truly wondrous that on his last day on earth Moshe should be described as being in motion, going in strength and fortitude to further teach and guide his beloved people Israel. Perhaps in this word vayelech alone we discover the secret of the greatness and manifold achievements of Moshe during his lifetime.

 

Moshe was always going, always engaged in teaching and counseling Israel. We do not find in the Torah that Moshe ever rested from his mission or stopped working and striving towards his goal of raising the Jewish people to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Moshe, so to speak is in perpetual motion, always advancing, going, cajoling and instructing the people of Israel.

 

The Torah records for us that at the end of his life his physical strength and faculties were in no way diminished. That certainly was an exceptional and most unique blessing. But that was a gift from God, as health and longevity always are. The continued activity on behalf of Torah and the Jewish people was a gift from Moshe to Moshe. It was entirely dependent upon his attitude, commitment and vision for himself and his people. Therefore he is truly described in this week's Torah reading as being a person who is on the move, constantly going towards greater heights and more meaningful accomplishments.

 

This is also one of the messages that Shabbat Shuva teaches us. In order to return to God and to begin anew in our quest for holiness and sanctity, we must be proactive in our behavior and attitude. Being passive or apathetic certainly will not accomplish the goal of national and personal return to greatness and holiness.

 

The new year dawning upon us, with all of its blessings also brings with it all of its challenges as well. The ability to face up to those challenges, to keep on walking so to speak, will truly be the measure of our accomplishments and the events of this new year. Moshe has taught us by personal example that it is never too late in life to keep on walking and attempting to fulfill our hopes, aspirations and visions.

 

Life is precious and fleeting and should be exploited to the fullest. Being in motion, physically and spiritually, is really the secret of successful longevity and lifetime achievement. Even the great Moshe is not granted physical immortality nor will he even be granted all of the wishes he had for himself on this earth. Yet, until his very last breath, Moshe devotes himself to accomplishing his goals and to leading the Jewish people. This short parsha, which should serve as an inspiration to all of us, should be well studied.

 

Shabbat shalom

Gmar chatima tova

 

Rabbi Berel Wein